European Parliament ‘Transparency Directive’ vote opens way to discussions on procedural guarantees in medicines pricing and reimbursement processes. EFPIA calls on the European Institutions to broaden the debate to innovation and sustainability of healthcare.

Brussels, 6 February 2013- EFPIA welcomes the European Parliament’s efforts and hard work to come to an early agreement on the proposal for a revised Directive. We particularly welcome several amendments put forward by the European Parliament that clarify the Commission’s original proposal by further streamlining administrative processes.

However, we regret that the European Parliament questions EU jurisprudence by watering down some of the key provisions of the Commission Proposal. In particular:

• Key tools that would enable a better enforcement of the Transparency Directive, such as the remedies procedure, requirements for dialogue with stakeholders and regular monitoring of implementation. 
• Failing to support shorter maximum time limits for completing and publishing pricing and reimbursement decisions for innovative medicines. This prevents patients across Europe getting faster access to treatment.
• It waters down and contradicts certain procedural rules of the existing Directive and EU jurisprudence.

EFPIA Director General Richard Bergström said: “EFPIA supports the modernisation of this important legislation. It lays down the procedural rules for national decision-making related to pricing and reimbursement. At the same time we need to deal with the equity of access with all partners- the gap is not getting any smaller. Convergence of prices will not make this happen but differential pricing will. Our industry is ready to work with the European Commission, Member States and the European Parliament to ensure the best health outcomes for patients.”

About EFPIA: 

EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 33 national associations and 39 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA provides the voice of 1,900 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing new medicines to improve health and quality of life around the world. The pharmaceutical industry invests 27.5 billion on research and development per year in Europe and directly employs 660,000 people including 116,000 in R&D units in Europe. 

EFPIA members are committed to delivering innovative medicines to address unmet needs of patients and reducing the burden of chronic diseases for Europe’s ageing population. EFPIA believes in close cooperation with its stakeholders to help create sustainable healthcare   systems and to develop prompt responses to health threats in Europe.

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Nicholas Elles

Communications Manager

EFPIA                                                                                                                                                  

Rue du Trone, 108

1050 Brussels

TEL: 0032.2.626.24.79

Email : communications@efpia.eu